Celery Leaves

What Are Celery Leaves?

Celery leaves are the thin-stemmed, dark green leaves of the celery plant (Apium graveolens). Unlike root celery and stalk celery, this form is grown and sold in bunches as an herb, much like parsley.

Although they look like parsley, celery leaves have a much stronger, distinctive celery aroma; even a small amount can give a dish a pronounced flavor.

Celery Leaf Nutrition Facts

A reliable public nutrition table specifically for celery leaves, separate from stalk or root celery, could not be verified under this encyclopedia’s standards, so this section has intentionally been left blank; the nutrient composition of the leaves may differ from that of the stalks.

What Are the Benefits of Celery Leaves?

As a leafy green herb, celery leaves can be considered part of a balanced diet; however, they are generally consumed in small amounts as an aromatic herb.

This information is general; celery leaves are a plant, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Celery Leaves

Fresh celery leaves should be vibrant dark green, unwilted, and have firm stems; yellowed or darkened leaves are no longer fresh.

• The leaves should be vibrant dark green; yellowing is the first sign of staleness.
• The stems should look firm and moist, not dry or wrinkled.
• A strong, clear celery aroma when smelled is a sign of freshness.

How to Store Celery Leaves

They stay fresh for 5–7 days in the refrigerator when wrapped in a damp paper towel. Cutting the stem ends and placing them in a glass of water, loosely covered, may extend their freshness somewhat.

How to Use Celery Leaves in the Kitchen

Celery leaves are usually finely chopped and added near the end of cooking or just before serving; this helps preserve both their vivid color and sharp aroma.

How to Use Celery Leaves in Soups

Add finely chopped celery leaves during the last minutes of cooking vegetable and meat-broth soups to add both flavor and a green touch.

Can Celery Leaves Be Used in Stuffed Dishes and Rolls?

Yes. In some traditional recipes, finely chopped celery leaves are added to the ground-meat filling to give stuffed dishes and rolls an extra layer of aroma.

Which Recipes Use Celery Leaves?

Celery leaves are used in vegetable soups, meat-broth dishes, fillings for stuffed dishes and rolls, and as a salad garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are celery leaves and stalk celery the same product?

No. Stalk or root celery is a vegetable generally eaten raw or cooked, while celery leaves are a separate product sold in bunches as an herb, like parsley.

Can celery leaves replace parsley?

Although they look similar, celery leaves have a much stronger aroma; if you use them instead of parsley, use a smaller amount.

Can celery leaves be dried?

Yes. They can be dried in the shade or frozen for storage; drying softens their aroma somewhat but is a practical way to preserve them for winter use.

Do celery leaves have a root?

Leaf celery generally has a thin, underdeveloped root system; the main purpose is to harvest the leaves and stems, not the root.

Which dishes most often use celery leaves?

They are most often used in vegetable and meat-broth soups, fillings for stuffed dishes and rolls, and some salads.